Book 2: Metal
Prologue - Katara's Story
There was nothing she could do. Nothing she had not already tried ten times, a hundred times. She would try one thousand more if it could make the slightest difference. Aang was dying. She knew it. He knew it. And that had lead to this; his last words. The last goodbyes. Did he know how much time he had left or was he taking this chance now, while he could still cling onto life? She had bitten back so many words as the healing failed to appreciably slow his slow slip away from her. It would feel so good to say 'You'll be alright' or insist he 'would get through it', but it would not mean anything. Better to be honest. Better to face the pain head on. Katara winced. It did not feel better. It hurt. But it would be worse - so much worse - to deny him this opportunity. To leave everything unsaid. And at least he would pass beyond here while surrounded by his family.
Bumi was the first to speak to Aang, his father smiling at his son as Aang told him how proud he was of his chosen path - even one so different to his own. His words did not change much when he spoke to Kya a moment later, but the note of pride in his voice did not lessen for a moment. Aang had more words for Tenzin, a more serious look on his face as he spoke. The next Avatar was not going to have an easy time; it was all but certain Harmonic Convergence would occur within their lifetime. Aang laid a trembling hand on Tenzin's shoulder and told him the burden would fall to him, that he would rather share the issue, but-. Aang cut the sentence off, wheezing from exertion. Kya and Bumi were quick to speak up and offer support for their brother and the next Avatar.
"I promise I will do my very best as leader of the Air Nation," Tenzin said, meeting his father's gaze without blinking.
Aang smiled, his gaze drifting past his son. "Be good to Lin too," he said. He did not seem to notice the stiffening in Tenzin's back; now was not the time to mention the break-up; even one as amicable as theirs. Aang spoke to the each of the others in turn and then lapsed into an exhausted silence. The others exchanged quick glances and one by one left the room. Now Katara was alone. Alone with him. He blinked at her and smiled before his eyes slid closed. Katara's heart lurched, her fingers scrambling to check his pulse. Sleeping. He was just sleeping. Katara let out a shaky breath wondering if he would wake again. She took his hand, the movement prompting him to open his eyes for a second and smile up at her. He did so periodically through the long night, and each time Katara would kiss him one last time. Every single one of them the last kiss. His breathing grew shallower, his pulse harder and harder to find each time. The room grew darker as the candles burned out one by one around her. Time slid by in to a confused blur. She could not longer see Aang. He might be there, smiling at her, but she could not see. Her fingers trembled against his hand, wanting to check for his pulse, wanting to believe there was still time.
"Katara?" A soft voice floated out of the darkness. Toph. Katara blinked her eyes shut as she felt the tears welling up. Her throat constricted with a sob too huge to let out. She hunched over, clenching Aang's hand tighter, horribly aware that it was growing colder, that he did not react to her. That the pulse, the beat of life was gone. A hand on her back, a presence beside her. Arms encircling her. Comfort. But not from the one she wanted. Never again from him. Katara sobbed as Toph held her in the darkness.
The hawks were sent out. They had to be. The world turned, the cycle continued. The loss of one Avatar merely indicated the coming of the next.
As per airbender customs there was no wake or funeral for Aang from his family. Time was against them, even now. The Avatar was somewhere out there; Aang was out there, existing as a new life waiting to be born. No. No. She could not think about that yet. Not while she could still see him. Not while her husband was still here in body if not spirit. Tenzin and his acolytes followed the ancient air nation ceremonies to the letter. Chanting mixed with the incense in the air. And when it was done; one last task. One final journey. First to the Southern Air Temple and then - as was Air Tribe custom - a final resting place for Aang on a mountain peak. They were nomads to the last. This last trip was singly personal as they rode atop Oogi. Katara, Kya, Bumi, Tenzin and Aang. The final duties fell to Tenzin; as so many things had and would still. He alone carried his father's body to the summit of the highest mountain in the area.
So many people were many waiting for them when they returned to air temple island. Ty Lee and the Kyoshi Warriors. Suyin Beifong, her husband and their son. And Sokka. He looked tried, worn, but somehow still smiling when they arrived. The expression did not reach his eyes and Katara read everything she needed to there. Despite the winter months, Sokka claimed the sun had been brighter than normal when they received Katara's hawk. The need for remembrance had lead to three full days of mourning; Aang had been so deeply ingrained into every aspect of Republic City. Silence had fallen across the city as the announcements were made. The air was still except for the tolling of the temple bells. The city shut down; work ceased as people stayed at home to mourn. No Satomobiles rumbled down the streets and the harbour stood vacant. The silence had almost been eerie. A settlement of Republic City's size reduced to whispers. It was much later when Sokka admitted it had not been quite as respectful as he had initially made out. While the majority stayed at home and listened to the radio and mourn there were still some incidents of violence in the slums. A shame, but not unexpected.
For the most part the outpouring of respect and mourning was almost nothing short of incredible. Fishermen lay flowers at the feet of Aang's statue. Any ship entering the harbor flew their flags at half mast. The world mourned the passing of Aang from life to death - no one ignorant of what he had done for them all. On the fourth day after Aang's passing Katara's attention was directed to the horizon by Sokka. A dragon raced through the sky; Zuko. This was unexpected; dignitaries never arrived without a hoard of escorts and hangers on. Especially rare was the presence of both Mai and Iroh. He was barely dismounted from Druk when he rushed towards her and embraced her tightly. Katara glanced at him, anguish written into the frown that twisted his face. Mai touched her arm a moment later, a calmer presence.
"I'm sorry we were… delayed," Zuko said. "The Spirit World…"
"Do they know?" Katara asked.
"Yes." Zuko's body tensed. He hesitated a moment before continuing. "My uncle… told me when he… passed. He said the cycle was begun again."
How could she not know that would be the case? But to hear it from Zuko just caused a new wave of sadness to roll over her and her eyes filled with fresh tears. She clutched at him as she tried to ride out her emotions. She apologized after a moment and stepped back, swiping at her eyes with her sleeves and directing all her attention to the boy nearby. Iroh had grown; taller even then her now. How long had it been since she had last seen him? Zuko fished a letter from within his robes; while she could not attend herself, Izumi at least sent her condolences. The man's chest swelled with pride; his daughter had taken it upon herself to watch over the Fire Nation while he attended the funeral. She planned to lead the whole nation in another ceremony to honor the departed Avatar.
On the day of the funeral, Kyoshi warriors kept careful watch around city hall later that day, the group lead by Ty Lee. Suki took her place in their ranks once again, slipping back into her old role without a hitch. There was a momentary wail when Suki and Sokka's granddaughter Yue complained she could not stand with her grandmother in the ceremonies. Katara smiled at her niece and along with Sokka and his daughter, Hikari, coaxed her away, offering to stay with her. Yue grudglingly accepted.
More people to meet. Prince Unalaq of the water tribe; and currently the water tribe councilman. More commiserations from those unable to attend - this time from Chief Umaruq and Princess Nova. Even through grief, Katara's mind dredged up half remembered moments. Unalaq's brother, Tonraq had rescinded his own claim to the thone and was now living in the South. Living where she had once. She could not blame him for wanting to stay there. There was a peace in the South, unlike the North and unlike Republic City. She could go back there. Spend some time away from this place, this memory of all Aang had done and accomplished. Let go of him. Later. Much later. Noticeably missing amongst the commiserations was anything from the Earth Queen. The snub stung, but it was not unexpected. Things had remained awkward even as Aang's health declined.
Thousands of people gathered in the plaza in front of the city council building. More people than Katara had ever seen in her life. It felt as if the whole population of Republic City was here. And yet, despite the vast number, boats still moved out in the harbour. Traffic rumbled in the distant streets. Life had to go on. As much as Aang's passing affected her, as much as it had implications for the world, people had to keep going. Keep moving. So many cared - and really did the precise number mean so much? She loved Aang - it did not matter how others felt. All eyes were on her and the crowd silenced as she approached the podium. Katara's shaking hands held the short scroll Sokka slipped her moments before. He insisted she take it with the same intensity she insisted she needed no prompts to talk of Aang. Now under the gaze of so many, she could not even find a place to begin. A silent thank you to Sokka and Katara unfurled the scroll.
"Avatar Aang has passed on." A murmur ran through the crowd. No one could have escaped the mourning, the news spreading, but it seemed the impact was greater now the words had passed from her lips. "My..." Her throat tightened and tears threatened to flood her eyes. No. She could do this. Do this for him. It was not the end for him; rather a new beginning - he could not truly die. "My husband," she began again, gratified to feel a touch on her arm; Sokka. A tug on her robes; Yue. She could do this,. "Aang's health had been failing for over a year. But even then; I never... never thought I would outlive him." She blinked down at the scroll. Stick to the speech. "I met Aang so many years ago..."
It was a familiar story. There was unlikely to be anyone who did not know it in some variant. Whether the disastrously incaccurate Ember Island version - somehow still in production - or a news summary, radio play, book, scroll or bedtime story. Everyone knew how she found Aang. How their journey through life together began. Sokka's overly neat handwriting told one of the more popular variants. Not the most accurate; there remained moments in time she wished to avoid thinking about and those she kept for herself. This version was more of a charming romance, working off the moments that built up to them coming together with a heavy implication of fate. It was always a pleasing day-dream. She smiled and so many of the crowd did so in turn and suppressed a chuckle as she spoke of Aang calling her 'forever girl'. It had been true, but fit better here in this poetic version of those days.
Katara ended in the same way as she had in one of the memoirs she had been pressed into writing. "I believed Aang could save the world. He did just that."
Not an ending was scribbled in a messier hand beneath the clear text. Sokka was right. Forty-five years together. Aang a dedicated father despite all the pulls on his attention and time. Aang who had been loving, gentle, optimistic. Who managed to keep the Air Nation alive. No tears anymore. Her throat relaxed. It had not always been easy, but ultimately their time together had been joyful. Katara looked up from the scroll and spoke the last of her words straight to the crowd.
"Thank you Aang. For marrying me. For our three wonderful children. For every moment since the first time we met. For believing in me. I... I look forward to seeing you again. I hope I can see you soon."
She smiled at the end, feeling oddly light. A ripple of applause swept through the crowd, growing in volume as she took Yue's hand and stepped back away from the podium, leaving it free for Tenzin, Kya and Bumi. "Thank you mother." Tenzin said. His back was stiff as he spoke, the tension running through him. He looked as nervous as she had been. "As the heir to the air nation, I pledge to continue Aang's ambition to see the tribe grow and prosper once more. I will ensure air bending does not die out."
Bumi followed Tenzin's formal speech in the same informal way he talked to everyone. "You might think with Dad's beliefs that he wouldn't have wanted me to go into the military. Maybe he didn't. But he supported me all the way. And there's something you hear a lot about in the services. Being the non-bender child of a family of benders and how tough it can be. As I heard it, I had it the easiest. Dad never looked disappointed I couldn't bend more than a bit of parchment. I can't bend water and I can't bend air. But I'm part of both thanks to my parents. Guess Dad knew secretly - I'm named after his earth-bender friend. An insane genius he used to tell us."
Kya spoke next in a quick, quiet voice. "Like Bumi said; being a child of a bender is tough. It's harder when you're the daughter of the Avatar too. But I can bend water, and like Bumi I can't be certain if Dad completely approve of my decision to enter the military as well. But he was never anything but proud. I'm going to keep on making him proud, and continue his legacy. Thank you dad."
Zuko was next. He spoke of when he first met Aang. How his desire to hunt down the Avatar was purely for his own gain. How things had changed because of that, how he became friends with Aang. His redemption, the betrayal of his family, founding Republic City. Zuko was blunter with his story; more than ready to punish his younger self for all his mistakes. It remained an enthralling story; to hear once again the moments Zuko had been and faced events alone. How Aang inspired it all. Even to the point of facing his father on the day of black sun. Katara gasped with everyone else when Zuko ended on one last surprise.
"The Avatar brought a time of peace and love. Now that he is no longer the Avatar, I feel this also marks the end of my time as Firelord. The role shall now pass to my daughter, Izumi." He left the podium with the crowd in shock.
No one could envy Sokka when he followed Zuko. But this was Sokka's area of expertise. He spoke the longest, eliciting smiles and laughs from the audience. Katara could not help but chuckle at some of the memories he related. Sokka insisted on calling Aang his brother-in-law - the one member of his family who both had difficulty with water tribe customs and never got sick of Sokka's jokes. Even Suki, he said with a significant gesture to his wife, told him to shut up. Aang always laughed.
"I will always remember the time he ate a sea anemone. My brother-in-law spent the whole day being grumpy and went on an immediate fast. He thought he'd eaten some meat by mistake. I kept trying to tell him it wasn't meat; it's a sea-plant. But he was like 'No Sokka - it was moving'." Sokka grinned and glanced around. He leaned forward on the podium. As if he could remotely give the impression of intimacy in this setting. But Sokka somehow did just that. "Whenever he gets upset, his eyes go really big." Sokka pulled his eyes open wider with his fingers. "Really, really big. He was so upset about eating it." Sokka leant back. "We argued about this for years. Years and years. Every chance we got we'd bring up this argument."
Sokka shuffled some papers on the podium. "I don't know how many of you read the scientific papers, or even try to keep up with the latest research. I don't blame you if you don't have the time; there's so much of it! But I always kept an eye on one or two important studies." He paused to peer at a sheet of paper. "Last year, the University of Ba Sing Se declared sea anemones to be animals." A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd as Sokka looked at them, his face a mask of shock. It lasted a full second before he grinned again. "I was shocked, I can tell you. I kept it away from him. See, my brother-in-law liked to argue his point but he didn't read stuff like I did. He had too much else to do. So I figured I would win." Sokka's face became sombre. "Two months ago, I visited him when his health really began failing. It was hard seeing him like that. But my brother-in-law just smiled when he saw me. And I figured I had to tell him. In case I never got another chance, I couldn't keep that from him. So; I got myself ready to tell him everything... Then he beckons me real close, saying he had something he had to tell me. So I figure, let him get this off his chest then I'll tell him."
Sokka grinned at the audience. "In the quietest whisper you can imagine, he said-" Sokka dropped his voice and whispered into his microphone. "'Told you they were animals'." The crowd roared with laughter and Sokka leant back smiling. "My brother-in-law; the Avatar!"
Toph was supposed to go next, but she did not move as Sokka nodded to her. Katara blinked. Toph's eyes were watering and her lips were quivering. Katara touched her arm and Toph shook her head in short sharp movements. Katara caught Tenzin's eye and he walked to the podium instead as Katara grasped Toph's hand. They ended with a ritual. As the sun began setting, the lights around the square were dimmed and Zuko lit an expanse of candles and incense. In the flickering light Tenzin began an ancient Air Nomad chant as he bent the wind to ring a series of bells. In the silence that followed, Katara stepped forward to the podium one final time and thanked everyone for attending.
Toph was sobbing by the time they entered city hall. Katara pulled her into a hug. "All these years..." Toph murmured into her shoulder. "I felt his heart beat. I could feel him breathing. I could feel him walking. But... Not anymore. He's just... gone."
"Toph..." Katara said softly as she hugged her tighter.
"All these people. I can feel them. Their hearts. They're all slow and sad. No one's moving fast. They're all so sad. They all loved him."
Katara kept her arms around Toph as people from all walks of life lay flowers at Aang's memorial. Prominent families like the Tans, the Lims and the Onodas were amongst the mourners. Representatives and some of the heads of industry were here; Mao Yun, Joon Chang, Kyoya Ootori, Yuzuru Suoh, Gendo Ikari, Kiel Lorenz, and Hiroshi Sato. Hiroshi alone had brought his family with him; his wife and two month old daughter. Katara bit her lip as she rubbed Toph's back. She knew less than half those here; Sokka had dealings with all of them, but Katara could not shake the notion that their presence was more about publicity than mourning the loss of the Avatar.
Returning to Air Temple Island was sorely tempting. But she could not go back. Not yet. So many people wanted to talk to her, to pass on condolences. Aang's influence extended to untold distances. He inspired people even now; to donate to the Air Acolytes, to join the United Forces or the White Lotus. To continue what he began, what his family had vowed to continue. An endless procession of those who missed Aang waiting to leave tributes. A movement attracted her attention; a very pregnant woman and her husband were waiting with a bouquet of flowers. Without another thought she darted forward to them.
"Master Katara," the man said as she approached. He bowed as the woman held out the bouquet. "We offer our sincerest condolences."
"Thank you." Katara bowed back and took the flowers, her gaze drifting to the woman's belly. "It's... about seven months I think?" The woman followed her gaze and nodded. "May I?" The woman smiled. A flush of heat as she made contact. She smiled. "Do you wish to know?"
"Oh... yes. Please," the woman said, her eyes wide.
"A boy. And a firebender." The couple both smiled, the man resting his own hand on the spot Katara's vacated. "Congratulations."
They left, still smiling as Katara murmured to the guards to let those pregnant or with young children, the elderly and those with disabilities in as a priority. The number of mourners still felt overwhelming as they passed by her. As night fell and her family at last returned to air temple island, thousands of candles drifted along the river and into Yue bay. Whether by a fluke of the current or some design of the spirits - perhaps even a talented water-bender - all the candles clustered on the shore of Aang's memorial island.
Life went on. The world changed. Each new day brought happiness and pain. The ache at the loss of Aang slowly dulled into the distance, never quite sated, but he no longer weighed on her thoughts as he had at first. Disquieting moments in the world. Missing children in both the Northern and Southern water tribes. The significance of that was hard to ignore; someone was looking for the Avatar. Two years after Aang's death, his surviving friends made the decision to look for his reincarnation. It was almost like old times; She was with Zuko, Sokka, Suki, Toph once more. If only Aang could have only been there; then it would be perfect. But; no matter how hard they searched, despite all their efforts, they were unable to locate the new Avatar. Perhaps they were too early. Perhaps they were looking in the wrong tribe. Perhaps, perhaps.
The White Lotus carried on the search as their lives continued. Tenzin married an air acolyte; a women named Pema. Katara smiled when she heard, remembering the air acolyte with the barely disguised crush on her son. Even so; it was hard to believe they were now married. It seemed no time at all until Pema gave birth to the first of Katara's grandchildren. A new airbender. Her parents named Jinora and Katara cradled the child in her arms in delight. The feeling was tempered slightly with dismay; if only Aang could have seen his grandchild too. Sokka at least got to see Jinora before he too passed away. Another time of mourning. It seemed impossible for Sokka to be gone. He had always been there. If not with her, then at the end of a hawk. Always ready to talk. Always ready to joke and laugh. Now he too was gone. Republic City mourned his loss as Zuko raised a statue in salute. Suki did not linger long after the funeral and soon departed for Kyoshi island.
The group was splintering. Zuko had always lived apart, but with both Aang and Sokka gone, with Suki also living away, it seemed as if there would be none of her friends left in the city. Toph's decision to leave for the newly founded settlement of Zaofu only compounded the feeling of loss. Katara did not want any of them to leave, but it was not her place to stop them or even ask them to stay. She was able to stay in touch at first; until Toph set out on a spiritual pilgrimage a few years later. Katara never heard from her again. Ikki's birth was a good distraction, but periodically she wondered what had happened to her friend.
Haru and Teo passed away after a few more years. Word came that Smellerbee and Longshot were now gone too. It was unfair. How could she outlive all of them? She could heal so well, but not enough to stop the inevitable cycle of years. Life ended and life began. Meelo would meet only a fraction of those who so anticipated the new airbenders. For Tenzin and Pema to produce three new members of the air nation was better than Aang would have dared hope for.
But with each of her grandchildren's birth, one memory kept coming back to her as the years passed. A prophecy. How true had it been? Aunt Wu; a fortuneteller who told her so long ago that she would not die until she saw her fourth great-grandchild. Four. And Jinora not yet even close to having children. Could it be true? Was she really destined for such a long, long life? Once she might have considered it a blessing - but now? Would it be worth it if everyone she loved fell along the way? And would it be enough to see the next Avatar?
The hawk was news. Katara smiled as she unclipped the message tube. It seemed a little early for the birth; more than likely Tenzin was nervous and ensuring she arrived in plenty of time. Another grandchild would always be welcome in her family. Another airbender too? Her smile faded and her heart skipped a beat as she read the note.
Avatar Korra is found. The Red Lotus have her. We will get her back.
Her fingers twisted into claws, the note crumpling in her trembling fists. The Red Lotus; alive? And what of the White? What of their efforts to find her first? They had failed Korra. Let her fall into the hands of murderers. It must be two nights since the message was sent. An update would be due in hours or possibly days. She needed to know - now. She packed with a frenzied pace, gratified when she heard the beating of wings outside. She enjoyed the momentary surprise on Zuko's face as she exited her house with her bag packed and ready.
"Zuko."
"I... came to give you a ride to Republic City."
"Thank you. Do you have any news?" Katara asked, hands clenched tight.
"Korra is safe." Katara heaved a sigh of relief as Zuko continued. "She defeated the Red Lotus near single-handedly." Katara sagged, the tension and need to move fast draining from her body. "She's reunited with her family - they're on air temple island at the moment." Zuko glanced away.
"What is it?"
"It's not all good," Zuko said gravely. "Tenzin's handling the situation as best he can, but it's hard shielding Korra from the public."
"Why is he... What happened?" Katara asked with a sinking feeling.
"Chief Unalaq and his family were attacked. Chiyo and Kim are dead."
Katara gasped. "This is terrible."
Zuko nodded. "Combine that with the anti-bender movements, reports of chi-blockers attacking benders in the Earth Kingdom; things aren't the best in Republic City right now."
Katara fixed him with a glare. "You should have gone straight there. I could have gone with Kya; her ship is near Whaletail island. I would have been there within a day or two."
Zuko patted his dragon. "Druk is the most convenient way of getting you there. And they need you." He held out his hand for her bag. "And weren't you the one insisting we had to meet the new Avatar together?" He smiled.
Katara sighed. "Defeated by my own idea."
"Keep moving," Katara said as air temple island came into view.
"What?" Zuko called over his shoulder. "Don't you want to see her?"
"Of course I do! But we have to help Tenzin too. We'll give Korra some space for now."
Zuko looked on the verge of arguing, but after a pause he nodded and directed Druk further into the city.
City hall seemed to be jammed with reporters, hangers on, a few injured people and the tiny fraction of people who seemed to actually work in the building. Questions tumbled through the air. The dragon drew an awed crowd, one that grew noisier when they noticed the passengers. Katara and Zuko were recognisable and their presence seemed to ignite one hundred new rumours in an instant. The pair ignored every shouted question as they pushed through the throngs of people to reach the council chamber. Familiar faces looked up as they entered the room; Tenzin, Bumi, Kya, Tarrlok, Lin, Tonraq and Iroh.
"Mom," Bumi, Kya and Tenzin said in near unison.
Katara smiled, rushing to embrace her children. "Okay, okay," she said as she drew away from them to sit on the presider's chair. "I would like to know what happened." Tenzin cleared his throat and related the events of the past few days since two benders, an heiress and a polar-bear dog came to air temple island.
"The Red Lotus raised and trained Korra as a weapon. One intended to unseat all government or royal rule and plunge the world into anarchy. They taught Korra a perverted world-view where any contribution you, dad or any of your friends made was omitted." Tenzin looked worried.
Lin swallowed before she began her own report. She kept her words simple, downplaying the unpleasantness as much as possible. But she was unable to avoid mentioning that Korra had tried to assassinate Unalaq and very nearly succeeded. The only good part had been her refusal to comply with her orders. And how that had put her at odds with the Red Lotus. Tarrlok was far less tactful when he spoke, stating bluntly that he would be unable to trust the Avatar - especially one that could be coerced or tricked as Korra had.
"That is not to say she might not have her uses," he continued. "But I do fear that the presence of the Avatar in this city will only encourage more migrants and refugees to swamp our borders."
Katara fidgeted. "And why is this a problem? This land is Earth Kingdom territory."
Tarrlok did not have a good reply to that, his nerve breaking under her gaze. Tonraq insisted that Korra was not dangerous. She needed a way to reconnect with people. Katara agreed.
"What about this dart?" Katara asked. "It's cropped up in several stories. Is it anything we need to worry about?"
Iroh sighed, all eyes on him. "I hurried analysis through since the dart seems to be all that some people care about." She did not follow his glance, not sure who in the room had bothered him over it. Shuffling some papers, Iroh announced the dart was nothing more than a potent tranquilizer. Stronger than normal, but nothing at all to be concerned about.
Katara made the announcement to the public. It felt fitting somehow. Not that she ever expected to be making such a statement. The Avatar was found. It stung to say the rest; to relate Korra's kidnapping and the role of the Red Lotus within it. There were protests from the assembled crowd naturally; people who demanded to know why the Avatar was not there in person. Should all this not come from them? The Avatar needed time, Katara replied. She had to complete her training; there had been no one to teach her air bending before now. Now she could truly be the Avatar. There were more troubling questions from the crowd; could the Avatar let go of their speculated anti-government bent? Could she be trusted? What had her role been in that night's events? Katara ignored the shouts to continue with her prepared statement.
"The next Avatar will be able to draw on her predecessors for guidance. If you can believe in older Avatars; if you can believe in Aang, you can believe in the new Avatar." Katara paused and added her own contribution. "And... I will remain here to guide the new Avatar. Please, all of you: if nothing else; believe in me."
Rampant speculation soon followed in the press. There were possibilities based on the chaos of the night the Red Lotus died. Tonraq had yet to make public the rescue of his daughter, but the idea that he was the Avatar's father had gained a number of believers. Others were convinced it was a complete unknown; one of the many missing water tribe children - the most popular candidates Umi, Koko, Mutya and Hakka. Tonraq declined all questions and instead begged for privacy as the press waited for him to leave city hall. It did little to diminish those who suspected Korra, but there without confirmation rumours remained rumours.
"How was Korra?" Katara asked Tenzin the next day.
Tenzin sighed. "She keeps to her room mostly. She's still weakened. I'm afraid she's a bit reluctant to talk to anyone but her parents. And Ikki, Jinora and Meelo. Senna said she barely has an appetite at the moment. It's been going on since the night she arrived." Katara nodded slowly. "Maybe you could...?"
Katara shook her head. "Let her be for now. I will talk when she's ready."
"It will be difficult. As much as she seems to have accepted Tonraq and Senna, she won't be able to easily escape the fact that the Red Lotus were effectively her parents. Terrible, awful, manipulative parents, but they were still the ones who raised her despite that," Tenzin said. "
It's... Not easy to give that up." Zuko added with a grimace. "It's still difficult. Even seventy years on. I'm the lucky one though."
"Is Azula...?"
"She's better. What took me years is taking her decades. She's not about to let go of her grudge though," Zuko said, looking significantly at Katara.
"Time heals everything, Zuko," she replied. "Now. While I want to give Korra some time, I would like to meet her companions."
"Hello, Miss Sato," Katara said as she was let into her room.
"Asami, please," Asami said, smiling.
"Asami then." Katara paused. "I understand you are one of Korra's friends?"
"Yes." She smiled and her gaze drifted to a box on her night-stand and a folded note on top of it. "I'm so glad to have met her."
Katara blinked in surprise. "I was more thinking she was lucky to find you; someone who was able to give her somewhere to stay, look after her... You're very generous, Asami."
Asami flushed. "I was just trying to help her," she said. "Have... have you seen her?"
"Not yet. I will do. Soon."
"Do..." Asami's fingers twirled a strand of hair as she spoke. "Do you know if she's allowed visitors? How is she?" A nervous smile spread across the girl's lips.
"She's not in prison," Katara said. "Admittedly she's not at her best, but she just needs some time. She'll be fine"
"Of course," Asami replied, nodding with a little too much vigor.
"However, I don't doubt she would be pleased to see you. You're welcome anytime. You're a good friend."
"Like I said; I just wanted to help her," Asami replied, smiling again.
"Just wanting to help doesn't cover it. You got to Tenzin. You went after Korra. You fought the Red Lotus." Katara shook her head. "Incredible. Just incredible. Just like I was..." Asami squeaked at her words, but shook her head when Katara looked at her quizzically. "I'm glad Korra has a friend like you. You helped her so much. Right from the first."
Asami's smile faltered. "Not... quite." The colour faded from her cheeks. "I'm not that good." Katara frowned at the sudden change. "In a lot of ways... No." She shook her head. "It's all my fault," Asami murmured.
Katara blinked. "I'm sorry?"
"All, this," Asami said waving her hand towards the window. "Everything that happened; the deaths, Korra being lost, Korra being hurt, not being with her parents..." She glanced at Katara. "They told you didn't they?"
"That you met as children? Yes, Tenzin has spoken about that to me."
"So you know." Asami's fist clenched on her knees.
"Asami; I cannot blame you for your actions. You were a child. And what's more the past is over. Neither of you are responsible for what happened. The Red Lotus went to great lengths to hide. And as ashamed as I am to say this, I am not certain how much effort the White Lotus would have made to seek out an unidentified girl in the icy wilderness purely on your say so."
Asami sniffed. "But I could have still done more. If I could have convinced them... she would have had a better life. She would have had parents. Things would be better."
"But they are better," Katara said. "Korra is with her family. She freed herself from the Red Lotus. She looked at what they wanted from her and said no. And you helped her. You risked your life for her. It is neither your fault nor your responsiblity that she was kidnapped. It is, however, thanks to you and your friends - to all of Korra's friends - she's been found." Asami said nothing. "You succeeded where we didn't," Katara pressed.
"Friends, huh?"
Katara frowned. "They're not your friends?"
Asami licked her lips. "One isn't. Not anymore."
"The older brother?" Asami stayed silent. "I heard about everything, Asami. Do you want to talk about it?"
"I don't know." Asami grimaced. "It's just... What he did was so cruel. I kept defending him to my father. I thought he was a good person, but he... he tortured a man right in front of me. But if he hadn't... We might not have learned about Korra's parents. I hate how he did it, but the result was something good? Should I be thankful? Should I forgive him? Bolin wanted me to help if Mako got in trouble with the law. I told him I would help as much as I could. But it's not like I forgave him, it's, well, Bolin needs him." Asami fell silent. "My dad told me not to trust people easily. I wanted to prove him wrong. Mako proved him right. I just feel like I'm naive. Then I worry about what other people are hiding from me and it just doesn't stop..." She glanced up, her eyes wide.
Katara smiled. "I know how you feel, believe me. If it helps... My first crush was a boy who was prepared to flood an entire village of firebenders. And I almost helped him do it."
Asami blinked at her. "Could you forgive him?"
"I did. I did, but it wasn't because he wanted forgiveness. He really thought he was doing the right thing. When we later met, I couldn't believe he'd changed. But he had. He was trying to be a better person. Then... he died." Asami frowned at her. "I'm not saying you should just forgive him. I can't condone his actions as they have been presented to me. No matter how effective they might be. Your feelings about this are not wrong. But. You do need time to deal with what happened. You need to take things one step at a time." Katara leant forward. "Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is one of the best ways to deal with what has happened."
Asami shook her head. "I don't think I could ever forgive him. It's just... Korra thinks of him as a friend. She trusts him. I don't want to wreck things for her. Not now. Not when we're the only friends she has."
"A noble desire, Asami. I think no matter what happens - you need to be there for Korra. She needs selfless people like you; especially after so many years alone. Would I be right in thinking she never blamed you for what happened?"
"She didn't," Asami said. "But... Is it really selfless. I mean I-" Asami clamped her mouth shut and swallowed, and a possibility occurred to Katara. Ah. "If I beat myself up too badly - she'll think she's causing it. I can't make her think like that." Asami's shoulders slumped and the tension ran out of her. "Thank you, Katara." Asami smiled, happier now. Katara smiled back and hoped to see her again soon.
Katara glanced at the wide-eyed boy beside her. Lunch in the park was supposed to make this less formal, more relaxed. What she had not counted on was that she might have a fan. An utterly star-struck fan. She sighed.
"Bolin..."
"I still can't believe I finally got to meet you, Master Katara! You're my hero and you're so awesome and I'm sorry, but I'm so happy to meet you. And wow. You are beautiful."
Katara could not repress the grin at his words. "Is that so? Please, just call me Katara."
"And please call me Bolin," he replied.
"You've done a lot for Korra."
"Is she okay?" Bolin asked. "She's with her mom and dad right?"
"She is. And physically she's fine at the moment. The rest... is going to take some time. I have to be honest; it will take a while for her heart to heal. We are doing all we can for her and we can't do it alone. Bolin; you are one of the tiny number of friends she has. She needs people like you."
"She needs a team," Bolin exclaimed. "Just like Aang and you. I, er, called us Team Avatar."
Katara chuckled. "Team Avatar, huh? I'm not sure we even had a name for our little group. But that's part of why I want to talk to you - about you."
"About me?"
"Yes." Katara sat up straighter. "Tenzin told me how your 'Team Avatar' saved Korra. I was... amazed to hear about it. You, Mako and Asami; you were all so brave."
Bolin scratched at his head. "Yeah... Well, that's one way to put it. It was pretty scary too. Never been that scared before."
"I've read the reports - but I know full well they don't capture what it was like. Not really. Bolin; do you want to talk about it?"
Bolin shrugged. "I don't mind too much. I... I do think back to some of those moments. Like when we heard Yujin had been murdered - and Korra had just gone ourside. And... and..." He gulped and looked at Katara. "I think of all the times we nearly died and what would have happened if one of us missed or someone didn't catch the other. And the bits I'm still not sure on. Like Asami and Mako fighting." Bolin hesitated for a moment and a torrent of words and sound effects came from him. He recounted every moment of that frantic night. Katara had read all of these events on paper. But Bolin made it interesting. Bolin told them as a story. He smiled embarrassed at the end. "I... talk too much. Sorry. Thank you for listening though."
Katara shook her head, smiling. "It's fine. Talking about these things to someone else is helpful. I hope you feel better for talking to me."
Bolin paused, cocked his head to one side and smiled. "Yeah. Yeah I do."
"Good. So; feel free to talk to me as long as you need to. And anytime you want to talk and I'm around. You can even come visit me on air temple island."
"Oh, that would be great," Bolin exclaimed. "But... I think that's enough. For now. I'm feeling peckish now..." His gaze was drawn to a distant cart selling meat buns. "Hey, Katara? Would it be okay if I visit Korra?"
"Of course." Katara smiled. "You're welcome anytime." Bolin's face brightened. "I'm sure she'd love to see you." Bolin fiddled with his fingers. "Something, else?" she asked.
"Will... Will, Lord Zuko be there?"
Katara roared with laughter. "You want to meet him too? Zuko will be there. He's busy at the moment but I will make sure he's there when you visit."
Bolin flushed slightly. "It's okay. I already asked General Iroh for his autograph. ...do you think Lord Zuko would mind?"
"If Iroh says it's okay, it's okay," Katara said. "I'm sure Zuko would be delighted he has such a dedicated fan. Thank you for talking to me, Bolin."
"Just... one more thing?" he asked. "Can I have a hug?"
Katara chuckled. "All the hugs you want." She pulled Bolin close and hugged him.
"You know; when I used to play Team Avatar as a kid; I was always you. I'm just so glad I got to meet you."
Mako watched her carefully across the table. "Thank you for helping Korra. There are no words to expresses how thankful I am," Katara said.
"I just did the right thing, Master Katara."
"Just Katara, please." Mako looked pained, but nodded after a pause. "There are a large number of reports on what happened during the incident, and your role in what happened. The Red Lotus were amongst the world's most dangerous assassins and benders. I cannot imagine what that was like for you."
Mako finished chewing his food thoroughly before answering. "They were terrifying," he acknowledged.
"But you were so brave. You wanted to save her. You made some difficult decisions."
"Nothing more than what was in the reports. I've told them everything I can remember." Mako looked wary.
Katara resisted the urge to sigh. "Mako; this isn't just about facts. Official or otherwise. I have already talked to Asami Sato and your brother. The experience affected them both in different ways. I am concerned what effect it has had on you." So unlike his brother. Guarded, inexpressive and candid about nothing. His answers were as minimal as he could manage. He seemed to be treating the conversation like an interrogation. "I know I am a total stranger, but please believe me; being close to the Avatar has both joys and difficulties associated." She smiled. "I am in a position to offer you some grandmotherly like wisdom.
"Thank you, Katara. But I'm not sure it would do any good. Korra and I aren't really close."
Katara frowned. "Now I find that hard to believe. You risked your life for her on more than one occasion. If you weren't close, why would you do that?"
"Because it's the right thing to do."
"But you do care for her?" Katara asked.
"Of course; she needed help."
"That, at least, is good to hear," Katara said.
"And..." An opening at last? "Korra and I have more in common than I thought."
"Oh?" Katara asked.
"We both had a hard life." He glanced toward the distant clock. "Please excuse me; my shift is beginning."
Katara watched him leave, frustrated. He did not want her help. His past was a matter of record. But there must be more to him. Something that drove him to the extremes he took that night. A man full of secrets. Was his brother the only one allowed to see the real him? Or did Mako hide things from even Bolin?
It was a few more days before Tenzin ferried Katara to air temple island on Oogi. Zuko was held up, but promised to get there as quickly as he could. Three figures were zipping around the air temple grounds on air scooters. So much like he used to. They were not yet as good as he had been; none able to hold the sphere of air as long as Aang. Early days for the airbenders. Early days for the Avatar. Ikki and Jinora had grown again since she had last visited. But all of Katara's interest was held by the water tribe girl.
"I win again!" the girl shouted.
Ikki frowned as she scrambled to her feet. "How come you're so good already? You only learnt it yesterday."
"I guess it helps to have invented it in her past life," Jinora said, already perched on her scooter again.
"Nah," the water tribe girl said with a smirk. "I'm just really good at it."
Ikki caught sight of them. "Oh hey, Dad! And Gran Gran!" Ikki shouted. She and Jinora tore over to hug Katara. Katara returned the embrace and when she looked up, the water tribe girl - Korra - was staring at her. Katara studied her. She was beautiful, strong, familiar. Aang's new incarnation; the new Avatar. And suddenly something snapped into focus. Aang had managed to meet his grandchildren afterall. Katara smiled and Korra grinned.
"Avatar Korra," Katara said as she walked towards her.
"You're Katara," Korra replied. "I'm so glad to finally meet you."
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Sorry for the delay. We would love to have some feedback for the chapter :)
Thanks to Knowledgeseeker66 for improving the TV Tropes page greatly and to Kradeiz and Tbone for continuous edits. Other contributors will be very much welcome.
The fanfic will have it's own tumblr page thesagaofavatarkorra dot t-u-m-b-l-e-r dot com. Due to a busy schedule there's nothing posted anything yet. But it will always post using the tag "TSOAK."